Plus tips on saving water to save money!
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How to save money on your water bills | With 60% of homes now on water meters, cutting water use is a smart way to lower your bills — especially as warm weather brings hosepipe bans and thirsty gardens. Here are some easy ways to save.
- Collect rainwater: Use a water butt to catch rain from your roof — great for plants and saves up to 1,000 litres a year.
- Water weekly: A deep soak once a week encourages strong roots and drought resistance.
- Use a watering can: Hosepipes can use up to 1,000 litres an hour — watering cans use far less.
- Let lawns go brown: Grass bounces back after rain. Let it grow longer to retain moisture and support pollinators.
- Water roots, not leaves: Target the base of plants. Try a DIY funnel from an old bottle.
- Check the forecast: Skip watering if rain is due. Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Wash cars with a sponge: A hose can waste 100–300 litres. Use a bucket or microfibre mitt instead.
- Cover paddling pools to reduce evaporation: Make the most of the water when you are done with it! Water your plants with it and fill water guns for water fights instead of using the hose.
Read more tips and advice from Wessex Water on saving money to save water. |
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New kitchen at Medlicott | Since August 2023, Paula Rosa Manhattan have been our kitchen supplier. As a market leader in providing kitchens for social housing landlords, they’ve been a key part of our shift toward higher-quality, high-performance spaces.
We’re excited to share that we have replaced the communal kitchen at Medlicott House in Warminster, one of our supported housing schemes. The work was carried out by our internal planned team, and the kitchen itself was generously donated by Paula Rosa Manhattan free of charge! We also sourced additional materials to support the upgrade where needed.
Work took place at the beginning of May — take a look at our news post to find out more and see photos of the incredible transformation.
A special thank you goes out to the supported housing team and the caretaking team, who both helped this project run seamlessly.
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Thank you, volunteers! | On Tuesday 3 June, we marked Volunteer’s Week by hosting a thank-you lunch to recognise our incredible customers who have volunteered their time over the past 12 months to get involved with us and help improve our services.
We have made some fantastic changes this year thanks to customer feedback, including:
• Enhancing the quality of communication in letters about planned works in your homes.
• Using the term ‘bereavement’ instead of ‘succession’ on our website to avoid confusion.
• Updating our website with a list of what is and what isn’t classed as anti-social behaviour.
Following their involvement, one customer said: "I have enjoyed meeting other tenants, feeling listened to and having a say in how Selwood Housing do things. It’s been a very valuable and positive experience" (Mary, scrutiny team member and Selwood Housing customer).
Head to our website to discover more opportunities to get involved and have your say! |
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Fire safety this summer |
With warmer days and balmy evenings just around the corner, firing up the barbecue is one of the best ways to enjoy the season! Whether you're grilling bangers and burgers in your garden, or hanging out at a designated BBQ spot, we're sharing some advice from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue to keep you safe:
Never leave your barbecue unattended — it only takes a moment for things to go wrong. Always use your barbecue outdoors, never inside your home, on a balcony or in a tent, as they produce dangerous carbon monoxide. Place your barbecue on a flat, stable surface, away from fences, sheds, dry grass, hedges, and anything flammable. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby, just in case. Make sure children, pets, and garden games stay well clear of the cooking area. Be extra careful during hot, dry spells — dry conditions can increase fire risks outdoors. Once you’ve finished cooking:
Allow the barbecue to cool completely before moving it. Dispose of ashes safely by spreading them on bare soil — never into bins, especially if they’re still hot, as this could cause a fire. And remember: never use petrol or paraffin to light or revive your barbecue. Stick to recognized lighters or starter fuels designed for cold coals.
Want even more handy safety tips? Explore advice straight from your local fire service! |
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